Don Walser
Texas Music's Purest Country Performer

Sept. 14, 1934 – Sept. 20, 2006

Performing at Threadgill's in 2001. Photo/mrflip

Don Walser was on the same bill as Buddy Holly when he was 16 and didn't pursue music full time until 44 years later at the age of 60.

He was a unique performer. His song selection was right out of left field. From Bob Wills to his own original material. He knew every Gene Autry song ever recorded.

I've seen his music referred to as country and western swing. That's like calling the Mona Lisa an old painting. A gross understatement of the facts.

I saw “Ray” play Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit at Threadgill's and saw him yodel the spirit of Jimmie Rogers at Hill's Cafe.

He had it. Appreciated it. And every performance you left in 100% belief he played just for you.

Texas music lost a true original, but the loss hurts even more because his was a living library of obscure old hillbilly and cowboy songs.

Rolling Stone From Texas (1994) is a great collection of songs along with Dawn At The Sky-Vue Drive-In (1998) and Texas Legend (2006).

He won several awards including the Austin Chronicle's coveted Best Country Band. He said one of his greatest thrills was appearing at the Grand Ole Opry.

One of my great thrills was marveling at the complexity and raw beauty of Walser's voice. All of Austin and America will miss Mr. Walser.

SIXTH STREET CLUBS
Maggie Mae’s :: Momo’s :: The Parish

WAREHOUSE & DOWNTOWN CLUBS
Antone’s :: La Zona Rosa :: Austin Music Hall :: Elephant Room :: Paramount Theatre

RED RIVER CLUBS
Stubb’s Waller Creek Ampitheatre :: Emo’s :: Beerland

UNIVERSITY CLUBS
Cactus Cafe :: Hole In The Wall

SOUTH AUSTIN CLUBS
Continental Club :: Threadgill’s :: Jovita’s :: Broken Spoke :: Saxon Pub :: Evangeline Cafe :: Artz Rib House :: Hill’s Cafe

EAST SIDE CLUBS
Victory Grill

AUSTIN ANGELS & HALLOWED GROUND
Stevie Ray Vaughan :: Townes Van Zandt :: Jesse Taylor :: Doug Sahm :: Keith Ferguson :: Don Walser :: Clifford Antone :: Soap Creek Saloon :: Liberty Lunch :: The Vulcan Gas Co. :: Armadillo World Headquarters :: Raul’s :: Austin Opera House

MORE
Austin City Limits :: Austin Record Stores :: Music Stores :: Austin Chronicle

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